Falls of Lora facts for kids
The Falls of Lora is a special kind of tidal race that happens at the entrance of Loch Etive in Scotland. It forms when a very high tide starts to flow out of the loch. This creates exciting white water rapids for about two to five days around the time of the spring tides.
What Makes the Falls of Lora?
The Falls of Lora appear when the water level in the Firth of Lorn (which is the open sea) drops lower than the water level inside Loch Etive. This happens as the tide goes out. The seawater from Loch Etive then rushes out through a narrow opening. As it flows over a rocky shelf, the fast-moving water creates the rapids you see.
How the Tides Work Here
When the tide starts to come back in, there's a short time when the water levels are the same on both sides. This is called "slack water." However, because the entrance to the loch is so narrow, the tide outside rises much faster than the water can flow into the loch. This means there can still be a lot of choppy water even at high tide, as water tries to push into the loch.
Unlike most places where the water is calmest at high and low tides, at the Falls of Lora, the calmest "slack water" happens when the water levels on both sides are exactly the same. Because of this, the difference between high and low tide is much bigger on the coast than it is inside the loch. For example, a 3 metres (9.8 ft) tide change near Oban might only be a 1.3 metres (4.3 ft) change inside the loch at Bonawe.
Fun at the Falls
The narrow mouth of the loch, where the falls form, is crossed by the famous Connel Bridge.
The Falls of Lora are a very popular spot! White water kayakers love to challenge the rapids. Divers also enjoy exploring the waters. Many tourists and photographers visit to see this amazing natural show and capture its beauty.
